Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a support mechanism for electricity infrastructure projects in rural areas that face high connection costs.

I recognise that connection costs can be higher in rural areas that are distant from the wider electricity network. Under Ofgem’s price control framework, network companies are investing in new electricity network capacity ahead of need. This should reduce connection costs, including in rural areas. Ofgem has also reduced the proportion of connection costs that fall to the connecting customer where distribution network upgrades are required. In addition, connection customers can choose an Independent Connection Provider that can often deliver cheaper connections.